U.S. patent number 7,231,431 [Application Number 11/097,189] was granted by the patent office on 2007-06-12 for system and methods for global access to services for mobile telephone subscribers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to StarHome GmbH. Invention is credited to Ory Biran, Carmel Sofer, Shlomo Wolfman.
United States Patent |
7,231,431 |
Sofer , et al. |
June 12, 2007 |
System and methods for global access to services for mobile
telephone subscribers
Abstract
A method and a system for providing services to roaming
subscribers of mobile telephone networks. The system comprising a
packet-switch network and intelligent gateways coupled to the
packet-switch network enables roaming subscribers to continue using
their value added services using familiar access, interface and
language. The system also enables mobile operators to deliver new
services to roamers and subscribers.
Inventors: |
Sofer; Carmel (Motza Elite,
IL), Wolfman; Shlomo (Hod-HaSharon, IL),
Biran; Ory (Kiryat Tivon, IL) |
Assignee: |
StarHome GmbH (Zurich,
CH)
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Family
ID: |
22623872 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/097,189 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20060030304 A1 |
Feb 9, 2006 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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09739881 |
Dec 20, 2000 |
6920487 |
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60171476 |
Dec 22, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/218;
455/432.1; 709/249; 709/202; 455/414.1; 370/401 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q
3/005 (20130101); H04W 76/12 (20180201); H04W
4/16 (20130101); H04W 92/02 (20130101); H04Q
11/0435 (20130101); H04Q 2213/13098 (20130101); H04Q
2213/13103 (20130101); H04Q 2213/13141 (20130101); H04Q
2213/13176 (20130101); H04Q 2213/13209 (20130101); H04Q
2213/13377 (20130101); H04Q 2213/13384 (20130101); H04Q
2213/13399 (20130101); H04Q 2213/13405 (20130101); H04W
8/18 (20130101); H04W 8/20 (20130101); H04W
88/16 (20130101); H04W 92/24 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
15/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;709/202-203,217-219,238,249 ;370/353-356,401
;455/414.1-414.2,432.1-432.3,433 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2240673 |
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CA |
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2251501 |
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CA |
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1111945 |
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Jun 2001 |
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EP |
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1156692 |
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Nov 2001 |
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EP |
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WO 96/13949 |
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Sep 1996 |
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WO |
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WO 97/36432 |
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WO |
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WO 97/37502 |
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WO |
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WO |
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WO 99/53698 |
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WO |
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WO 99/57874 |
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WO |
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WO 99/57914 |
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WO |
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WO 00/14992 |
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WO |
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WO 00/27144 |
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May 2000 |
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WO |
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WO |
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WO 2004/075579 |
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Feb 2004 |
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WO |
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WO 2004/075598 |
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Feb 2004 |
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WO |
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WO 2005/017693 |
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Feb 2005 |
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WO |
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WO 2005/018245 |
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Feb 2005 |
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WO |
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WO 2005/081962 |
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Sep 2005 |
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WO |
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WO 2005/086927 |
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Sep 2005 |
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WO |
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Other References
Smith "An Introduction to GSM Enhancements for Operator Specific
Services (CAMEL)", IEE Colloquium on Mobile Communications Towards
the Next Millenium and Beyond, IEE, p. 6-1-6-9, 1996. p. 1, Lines
24-27, p. 2, Lines 8-14, p. 4, Lines 19-22, Table 1. cited by other
.
Holley "Global System for Mobile Communications--What's in Store?",
BT Technology Journal, 14(3): 47-54, 1996. p. 50, 1-h col.
.sctn.9--p. 54, 1-h col. .sctn.9.5, Figs.2, 3. cited by other .
Mouly et al. "The GSM System for Mobile Communications", p. 46-55,
438-439, 515-545, 554-556, 1992. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Barot; Bharat
Parent Case Text
This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/739,881, filed on Dec. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,487,
which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/171,476, filed on Dec. 22, 1999, now expired, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system comprising; a first intelligent gateway configured for
coupling to a packet-switch network, said packet switch network
being coupled to other intelligent gateways, said other intelligent
gateways being respectively coupled to other mobile networks, said
first intelligent gateway being coupled to a first mobile network
and adapted to provide a roaming mobile device connecting as a
visitor in said first mobile network with access to a plurality of
services, said services being at least associated with one of said
other mobile networks, said one mobile network being a home mobile
network of said roaming mobile device, wherein some of said
plurality of services are integrated with one another, and wherein
said first intelligent gateway comprises a gateway database
comprising a profile of said roamer for use by said intelligent
gateway when providing access to said plurality of services.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said services include access to
voice mail.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said intelligent gateway is
further configured to send call control parameters via said packet
switched network in parallel to connection of a corresponding call
over an International telephony connection, said intelligent
gateway being arranged to configure said call control parameters
for reconnection with said corresponding call at a called
network.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said call control parameters
comprises a caller line identification (CLI).
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said intelligent gateway is
configured to unite call control parameters received over said
packet switch network with a corresponding call made over an
international telephony connection.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said intelligent gateway is
further configured to route the telephony call containing the call
control parameters to a destination indicated in the
parameters.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said call control parameters
comprise a caller line identification (CLI).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mobile subscribers access a variety of value-added services in
their home mobile networks. They usually use short codes, thereby
enjoying fast and easy-to-remember access. Subscribers use short
codes to access services such as voicemail retrieval, customer care
service, informational services or virtual private network (VPN)
services.
Yet home-network short codes are presently unavailable to
subscribers while they are roaming. This situation is due to the
complexity of supporting short codes of other operators.
Subscribers wishing to access home value added services are,
therefore, forced to remember full international telephone numbers.
Moreover, they may not be able to access home value added services
due to handicaps of international carriers.
Furthermore, global service providers such as airlines companies,
international travel agencies, and car rental agencies may offer
their customers a local toll free number, however, these numbers
are not supported on a global basis due to differences in numbering
plans at different networks. Thus, there is a need for a service
enabling roaming mobile subscribers access to value added
services.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and
method of operation, together with objects, features, and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read with the accompanying
drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for providing
roaming services in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a call flow of a short-coded call in accordance with the
system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system for providing
roaming services in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is a call flow of a short-coded call in accordance with the
system of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a call flow of a short-coded call utilizing voice
transfer via the global packet switch network in accordance with
the system of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustration of a method for providing a
Global Short Code service according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.
Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be
repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as
not to obscure the present invention.
Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method
and a system for providing services to roaming subscribers of
mobile telephone networks. The system enables roaming subscribers
to continue using their home value added services using familiar
access, interface, and language. The system also enables mobile
network operators to deliver new global services to roaming
subscribers all over the world. Non-limiting examples of mobile
networks that may provide these services are code division multiple
access (CDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA)
networks and global system for mobile communications (GSM)
networks.
The system providing these services is based upon a configuration
comprising a global packet switch network connecting mobile
networks via intelligent gateways. This configuration has
previously been described in PCT publication WO 99/57914, published
Nov. 11, 1999 which is incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which presents a general schematic
illustration of a system for providing roaming services, according
to some embodiments of the present invention. System 10 may
comprise a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) 20 and a visited
public land mobile network (VPLMN) 30. VPLMN 30 may be coupled to a
global packet switch network 22 via a visited intelligent gateway
(V-I/G) 32.
V-I/G 32 may comprise a database 31, which may contain replicated
data of a central database cached in a management center coupled to
global packet switch network 22 (not shown). Database 31 may
contain short code translation tables, subscriber profile data and
roaming patterns as will be explained in detail hereinbelow. It
should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not
limited to such a system and the system may comprise other elements
as well.
VPLMN 30 and HPLMN 20 may be coupled via an international telephone
network 26. HPLMN 20 may be coupled to a value added services
platform 25. VPLMN 30 may comprise a visited mobile switching
center (V-MSC) 34, a signaling transfer point (STP) 36 coupled to
V-MSC 34 and a visited location register (VLR) 38 coupled to V-MSC
34. V-MSC 34 may be coupled to V-I/G 32 by means of signaling
interface and full or partial E1 trunks. The signaling interface
may be based on System Signaling Number 7 (SS7) and integrated
services digital network user part (ISUP) or integrated services
digital network (ISDN).
System 10 may further comprise at least one mobility probe 33
coupled to V-IG 32 and to VPLMN 30. Mobility probe 33, which may be
controlled by V-I/G 32, is adapted to capture mobility application
part (MAP) messages related to the Location Update procedure
generated by roaming subscribers while registering to VLR 38.
Capturing these messages may enable V-I/G 32 to collect visiting
subscriber information, such as mobile subscriber-integrated system
digital networks (MS-ISDN) and international mobile subscriber
identity (IMSI). The IMSI of a subscriber may be required in order
to support roaming services in a mobile-number-portability world
and may be useful for billing purposes.
Mobility probe 33 may comprise a high-performance high-impedance
SS7 message-capturing device. The location of the capturing
operation depends on the specific network configuration and may be
at STP 36, at a gateway MSC (not shown) or at any other transit
switch. Generally, the point of capturing may be an SS7 link set
going through the exit signaling transfer point coupling VPLMN 30
to external signaling networks.
VPLMN 30 may be coupled to a plurality of mobility probes 33 when a
plurality of STP's and SS7 link sets, geographically dispersed,
connect VPLMN 30 to international telephone network 26.
System 10 may enable providing various services to roamers
including short code services. When a roamer at VPLMN 30 dials a
short-coded call, V-MSC 34 may route the call to V-I/G 32. V-MSC 34
may route to V-I/G 32 all the short-coded calls dialed by roamers
or may route to V-I/G 32 only the short-coded calls that are not
recognized as valid at VPLMN 30. V-I/G 32 may translate the short
code into a specific destination number according to information
stored in database 31 and then may route the call back to V-MSC 34.
This specific destination number may be a full destination number,
a different short code, or any other dialing sequence.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates the call flow of
a short-coded call or erroneous full number call originated by a
roamer at VPLMN 30 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the
present invention. In order to simplify the picture, the mobility
probe and its interfaces are not shown.
Steps 1 and 2 represent the first leg of the call. When a roamer 39
places a mobile originating call, V-MSC 34 may ask V-I/G 32 to
handle the call by routing the call to V-I/G 32 or by making a data
query. The data query may be an ISUP query or an intelligent
network protocols queries such as INAP, CAP and the like. The
mobile originated call may be an alphanumeric short code, a home
short code, a VPN short code and the like or an erroneous full
number. This step implies that V-MSC 34 is modified by means such
as routing tables and IN triggers to enable real-time call control
by V-I/G 32.
Various triggering methods may be applied to route the call to
V-I/G 32. Non-limiting examples of triggering methods are
triggering by Calling Line Identification (CLI) and dialed number
(DN), and data query. Non-limiting examples of data query are ISUP
and intelligent network (IN) protocols such as INAP, CAP and the
like. Various routing rules may be stored in the routing tables of
V-MSC 34. Non-limiting examples of routing rules are routing all
short-coded calls originated by roamers to V-I/G 32, routing any
number, which is invalid for processing by V-MSC 34 to V-I/G 32,
and the like.
Step 3 represents the second leg of the call. V-I/G 32 may place an
outgoing call on behalf of the roaming subscriber. V-I/G 32 may
insert the subscriber's MS-ISDN in the CLI field of the outgoing
call set-up signaling. This step may be required when V-MSC 34 does
not support call redirection switching. Call redirection switching
refers to a process by which V-I/G 32 requests V-MSC 34 to route
the call to a specified destination and to release V-I/G 32.
When the call redirection switching is possible, V-I/G 32 may
release the call along with a redirection address. The state of the
call, prior to the redirection, may be either "established" or "in
process". Redirection switching may be desired when the only
function of V-I/G 32 is the intelligent translation of the dialed
short code number.
Steps 4 and 5 represent the third leg of the call. V-MSC 34 may
route the call via international telephone network 26 to HPLMN 20.
The destination address of the call is an access number to value
added services platform 25 of HPLMN 20. It should be noted that it
is most probable that the roaming subscriber's CLI is not delivered
to HPLMN 20 via international telephone network 26.
Step 6 represents the local call generated by HPLMN 20 to value
added services platform 25. The actual connection of the first and
the second leg following a successful access to platform 25
(illustrated by optional step 7) may be performed when V-MSC 34
does not support redirection switching. The connection may be
enabled via the internal call switching of V-I/G 32.
Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which presents a schematic
illustration of a system for providing roaming services, according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
In system 100, HPLMN 40, which replaces HPLMN 20 of FIG. 1, is
coupled to global packet switch network 22 via a home intelligent
gateway (H-I/G) 42. System 100 may further comprise a management
center 50 coupled to global packet switch network 22. Management
center 50, which controls the platform and monitors elements of
system 100 may comprise a central database 51. Database 51 may
contain translation tables of short codes to long numbers,
configuration requirements of the system, user profile data,
special routing instructions for a specific global short code,
instructions for the intelligent call assistance service and the
like. Non limiting examples of user profile data are the user's
operator, the country of the operator, membership at clubs,
preferred language and the like.
HPLMN 40 may comprise a home-MSC (H-MSC) 44 and may be coupled to a
value added services platform 45.
H-I/G 42 may comprise a database 41, which contains replicated data
of central database 51. Local databases 41 and 31 may be updated on
a regular basis via global packet switch network 22. V-I/G 32 and
H-I/G 42 may comprise additional databases such as a subscriber
database caching only subscribers' profile data and a visitor
database caching only roamers' profile data.
System 100 may enable the exchange of user related information
between mobile networks, such as the CLI and the DN, via global
packet switch network 22. Voice information optionally may be
conveyed via global packet switch network 22, for example using
voice over internet protocol, as will be described with respect to
FIG. 5.
Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates the call flow of
a short-coded call originated by a roamer at VPLMN 30 of FIG. 3
according to some embodiments of the present invention. In order to
simplify the picture, the mobility probe and its interfaces are not
shown.
Steps 101, 102 and 103 are similar to steps 1, 2 and 3 of FIG. 2.
Steps 104, 105, 106 and 107 illustrate the utilization of global
packet switch network 22 to transfer data from VPLMN 30 to HPLMN
40. V-I/G 32 sends the subscriber's CLI, DN and possibly other
relevant parameters to H-I/G 42 (steps 104 and 105) to be
synchronized with the voice call (illustrated by steps 108 and
109). Delivering the CLI may enable a roamer access to home value
added services in a virtual home environment. H-I/G 42 in return
allocates voice resources and updates V-I/G 32 (steps 106 and
107).
Steps 108 and 109 represent the international leg. The destination
address of this call is H-I/G 42 according to the number provided
to V-I/G 32 by H-I/G 42 as illustrated in steps 106 and 107.
Accordingly, the call is routed from H-MSC 44 to H-I/G 42 as
illustrated by step 110.
Steps 111 and 112 represent the local call to value added services
platform 45. H-I/G 42 performs synchronization of data provided via
the global packet switch network (CLI and DN) and the telephone
voice call provided via the international leg (SYNC IP/TEL
process). Merging the CLI and the DN with the international leg may
enable the emulation of a local subscriber access to value added
services platform 45.
Step 113 represent the actual connection between the incoming and
outgoing legs of H-MSC 44 (steps 110 and 111) following a
successful access to platform 45. Optional step 114 represents the
actual connection of the first and the second leg of V-MSC 34 and
may be performed when the redirection switching is not
applicable.
Referring back to FIG. 3, system 100 may optionally comprises a
country I/G 28 coupled to global packet switch network 22. Country
I/G 28 enables a subscriber of HPLMN 40 roaming at a network which
is not connected to global packet switch network 22 to access home
value added services at virtual home environment.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates the call flow
using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) according to some
embodiments of the present invention. Voice information is
transferred between a roamer and home value added services platform
45 via global packet switch network 22 using VoIP technology.
Steps 201 and 202 are similar to steps 1 and 2 of FIG. 2. Steps
203, 204, 205 and 206 are similar to steps 104, 105, 106 and 107 of
FIG. 4. V-I/G 32 sends the subscriber's CLI, DN and possibly other
relevant parameters to H-I/G 42 via global packet switch network 22
(steps 203 and 204) to be synchronized with the voice call
(illustrated by steps 207 and 208). H-I/G 42 in return may allocate
global packet switch network resources and updates V-I/G 32 as
illustrated by steps 205 and 206. In these embodiments, the voice
call is also being sent over global packet switch network 22.
Steps 207 and 208 represent the voice call. V-I/G 32 routes the
call via global packet switch network 22, utilizing VoIP
technology. Steps 209 and 210 are similar to steps 111 and 112 of
FIG. 4.
Many services and applications may be provided to mobile
subscribers using the above embodiments. Some services may be
provided by the VPLMN to roamers, other services may be provided by
the HPLMN to subscribers roaming elsewhere, while a further set of
services is global in nature and may be provided by a PLMN to its
subscribers as well.
Home Short Code service, associated home short code, global short
code service, generic short codes and International Virtual Private
Network (VPN) are some services that involve translation of short
codes. The home short code service provides mobile phone
subscribers a virtual home environment by enabling the usage of
home-based short codes.
The associated home short code service enables a roamer to use a
home short code providing access to a service provider such as
emergency service and to get access to a similar local service
provider.
International VPN service enables roaming subscribers to continue
using their home dialing extensions of the VPN while roaming. The
international VPN service treats the VPN extensions as regular
short codes and translates the short code to a full destination
number as explained hereinabove. The translation may be performed
at H-MSC 44 or at H-I/G 42. When databases 51, 31, and 41 contains
a list of the VPN subscribers, including their user profile, other
services such as a welcome SMS service and intelligent call
assistance may be provided as part of the VPN service.
A supplementary service to the international VPN is the global VPN.
The global VPN service may enable a global organization having
local mobile VPN's supported by different mobile operators to
virtually converge them into one global VPN.
The global short code service is a global service targeted to
globally brand-named organizations that want to give their
customers an easy way to contact them all over the world. It is
also targeted to local service providers of universal services such
as taxi stations, information centers, and the like.
The system may provide service providers a short code that is easy
to remember and intuitive, such as the digits corresponding to the
name or trademark of the company providing the service. Each digit
of a standard telephone corresponds to three Latin letters. For
example, digit 2 corresponds to A, B and C. The system may enable
mobile phone users to rent a car from Hertz by dialing 43789
(HERTZ), to check their credit balance with Visa by dialing 8472
(VISA), to confirm airline reservations with TWA by dialing 892
(TWA) or to order a taxi by dialing 8294 (TAXI).
The translation of the alphabet into digits is also directed to the
generic short code service. The generic short-code service may
enables a mobile user to dial a generic short code in order to get
access to a certain service when he does not prefer any specific
service provider. For example, the user may dial 8294 (TAXI) to
order a taxi.
Services related to short codes use translation tables, which are
cached in central and local databases. The local databases contain
"short codes translation" tables and "collision resolution" tables
and algorithms. The collision resolution tables and algorithms
determine the routing of short coded calls having short codes,
which may be translated to more than one destination number.
When a home short code, a visited short code or a global short code
are identical, but point to distinctly different value added
services, the collision may be resolved by routing the call to the
local value added service, to the home network value added service
or to the global service. Another option may be to open an
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) session and to offer the
subscriber a choice between the options.
The Global Short Code service may allow global accessibility for
globally brand-named service providers. The system may provide a
unique global mobile-number to global service providers by
translating a global short code into a destination number enabling
the users of the service provider an easy access to that service
wherever they are. The service may be provided by a PLMN to roamers
and local subscribers.
The actual destination number may be different in different
countries for providing access to the service provider's branches.
The destination number, when dialing the same short code, may be
different for different callers according to their user profile.
For example, a call dialed by a frequent flyer of an airline
company may be routed to a different destination number than a call
from a regular customer. Moreover, the destination numbers may vary
according to a predefined schedule. For example, a call dialed at
noon may be routed to a different destination number than a call
dialed at midnight.
The global short code may be translated into a specific destination
number according to the service provider's request and may be
transferred to a predefined destination. This global number may
enable a user of the global service to reach the service, as per
its routing preferences, while roaming at any network and at any
technology.
Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a flowchart illustration
of a method for providing short coded services according to some
embodiments of the present invention. A caller at VPLMN 30 may dial
a short code (step 300). V-MSC 34 may route the call to V-I/G 32
according to predefined routing rules (302).
Next, V-I/G 32 may check whether the roaming caller network prefix
is recognized (step 304). If the network prefix is not supported by
database 31, the system may open an interactive voice response
(IVR) session, notifying the roamer that the service is not
supported and the call is terminated (step 306).
If the network prefix is recognized, V-I/G 32 may check whether the
dialing sequence is a recognized short code stored in database 31
(step 308). If not, the system may open an interactive voice
response (UVR) session, which provides the user possibilities to
choose the desired dialing sequence (step 310). Then V-I/G 32 may
check whether the short code may be translated to more than one
destination number due to collisions between different kinds of
short codes, such as a local short code, a home short code, a
global short code and the like (step 312).
If there is a collision, V-I/G 32 may open an IVR session, that
enables the user to choose the desired destination. The IVR session
may be provided in the user's preferred language, based on the
user's IMSI (step 314). The system may be able to offer the service
provider an IVR session as a default option whenever the user dials
a global short code, in order to manually select a preferred
routing.
The system may provide the option of distinguishing between
subscribers of a service and non-subscribers and may route their
calls differently according to predefined instructions from the
service provider.
Accordingly, V-I/G 32 checks whether for the desired global short
code there are specific instructions for routing and translate the
short code into the corresponding destination number (step 316).
The database of each V-I/G contains the required information of
each service and the identification of subscribers according to
their MS-ISDN and the like.
The database may be updated directly from the customer system or in
any other suitable way. In a case of non-subscription based
service, no additional user profile database is required. After
finding the desired full number to which the call is destined,
V-I/G 32 re-routes the call to V-MSC 34 for the completion of the
call in a conventional way or, if supported, using the call
redirection switching capability (step 318). At the end of the
call, V-I/G 32 produces a rated call details record (CDR) and sends
it to network management center 50 via global network 22 (step
320).
The system may offer the service provider with several abilities
for routing and completing of the global short code call, among
them: Connection to a "fixed" DN as per the service provider's
request, regardless of the location of the end user and its origin
network and routing to a specific number based on the user's
location. The system may also support a combination of the above
options, therefore routing the same global short code to different
locations based on several parameters.
It should be noted that routing might be flexible and variable
according to a predefined schedule so that the destination numbers
may be different at various hours within a day and various days
within a week. It should be noted that I/G might provide
identification of mobile user through CLI. For example, a service
provider may require to route all the calls to a call center and to
be able to identify the user when he reaches the operator. In these
cases, the system may use the SYNC/IP TEL option, namely,
re-routing the call to the mobile operator and delivering the CLI
via global packet switch network 22.
Outbound Notification Short Message Service (SMS), welcome SMS, and
global SMS involve transfer of data via global packet switch
network and may serve to promote and improve the short codes
services. SMS enable both visited and home network operators to
deliver messages to inbound and outbound roaming subscribers in the
subscriber's preferred language.
The welcome SMS may enable mobile network operators to greet
inbound roamers upon registering. Using mobility probe 33, V-I/G 32
may receive notification regarding roamers' registrations. This
information, in addition to the subscriber's CLI, may enable the
VPLMN operator to offer friendly promotional messages about
available services to roamers, such as the availability of short
code services or other relevant local information.
The outbound notification SMS service may enable mobile network
operators to contact their subscribers while roaming elsewhere.
Providing that H-I/G 42 is coupled to a mobility probe at HPLMN 40,
it may trigger SMS for HPLMN 40, which then may offer access
information about home value added services or any other
information to subscribers roaming elsewhere.
The global SMS messaging service may enable third party
organizations to deliver a global service via SMS utilizing the
global packet switch network 22 and the system-guaranteed SMS
bandwidth. This bandwidth may be created by means of cooperation
and interface between S-MSCs of PLMNs. Third party organizations
may deliver SMS-based messages to individuals, groups, or an entire
mailing list.
The intelligent call assistance involves using information stored
in local databases. Intelligent call assistance helps inbound
roamers to complete their calls including home short-coded calls
whenever they encounter dialing difficulties.
The intelligent call assistance service may assist roamers to
complete calls whenever they encounter situations of unfamiliar
dialing sequences. The intelligent call assistance service may act
automatically according to predefined rules and may provide
assistance in the roamer's preferred language to enable the
completion of the call. Some examples of certain features of the
service are described herein, however it should be understood to
those skilled in the art that many more features may be provided by
the intelligent call assistance service.
Many roamers do not know that they are required to dial "+" or "00"
or some other prefix in order to make an international call. The
intelligent call assistance service may identify such an attempt to
dial an international call (at least 9 digits) and may assist to
complete the call by adding automatically the required prefix.
The intelligent call assistance service is also adapted to identify
an invalid local call (6 8 digits) and to assist the roamer to make
the call. The intelligent call assistance service may provide a
prompt notifying the roamer about the dialing rules of the specific
country in a preferred language.
A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other
services related to short codes, call assistance, and SMS messages
may be provided to mobile users in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention.
It should be understood to a person skilled in the art that many
other services such as wireless application protocol (WAP) access
and mobile e-commerce may be provided using the embodiments of the
present invention.
While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and
described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and
equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art.
It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within
the true spirit of the invention.
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